No matter how much you scrub your shower from top to bottom, it never quite looks clean enough thanks to the gunky build-up at the bottom of the door.
The plastic sealant acts like a tray which catches all of the water from your shower. Much of the water does run out of the seal, but it’s not a perfect system. There is an inevitable build-up of water marks, limescale, soap scum, and in the worst-case scenario, mould.
But did you know you can remove and clean the plastic seal? Well, you do now! Many people are unaware that the plastic seal at the bottom of a shower door can be removed, so it stays dirty.
Read on to find out how to get the plastic door seal at the bottom of your shower looking clean and new in no time.
What You Need
- A toothbrush
- A soft sponge
- Bicarbonate of soda
- Glass cleaner for the shower door
- The cleaner of your choice for the plastic strip – vinegar, bleach or another generic cleaner will work.
You can also use the same cleaner for the shower door and the plastic sealant.
How to Clean the Plastic Strip
If you have never removed the plastic seal in your shower, it may take a little elbow grease for it to come loose. Start by pulling the edge of the seal down until it gives and slide the plastic strip off.
You may want to do this over the shower or bathtub if the door allows it, or put down some paper towels so that any slime or mould doesn’t get onto your floor or clothes.
Once the door strip is off, follow these steps:
1. Mix up your cleaning solution, following the instructions on the packaging if using bleach or another cleaner, or by mixing vinegar and water.
2. Apply your glass cleaner to the glass and scrub off the marks using a sponge.
If the stains won’t budge, you can add some bicarbonate of soda to your cleaning solution.
If there is a stubborn build-up, you can apply a white vinegar solution to the shower door and wrap cling film around it, letting it soak for a few hours or overnight. This stops the vinegar from dripping off so it can work on lifting the grime.
3. To clean the plastic sealant, you will need to use a toothbrush to get into all the nooks and crannies. Apply your cleaning solution to the toothbrush and scrub.
Again, if the gunk doesn’t come off, you can try adding bicarbonate of soda to your cleaner, or try soaking the strip in a cleaning solution, if possible.
4. Before refitting the plastic strip, make sure it’s completely dry to avoid mould forming.
Can You Clean the Strip Without Removing It?
You can clean the plastic sealant to an extent if you don’t take it off. However, you will not be able to get it completely clean, or get to the bottom of the shower door.
To clean the exterior of the plastic strip, you can use the same tools and method as above.
What to Do if the Strip Can’t Be Cleaned
Unfortunately, sometimes you leave it too long before cleaning the door sealant and the build-up won’t come off, no matter what you try.
In this case, you can replace the plastic strip. All large DIY shops, as well as online retailers, stock them, and they range in price from about £10 to £15.
Good news—you don’t need to hire a professional to fit a new shower strip as they just slide and clip on.
In The Wash is your guide to the best laundry and cleaning products, tips and tricks. Our mission is to solve the UK’s cleaning and laundry dilemmas!
